X-ray laboratory astrophysics

ORAU; Greenbelt (MD); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

ORAU offers a postdoctoral research opportunity at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. This position involves high-resolution X-ray spectroscopy and laboratory astrophysics, requiring a doctoral degree in physics or related fields. Responsibilities include data analysis, atomic data development, and operation of specialized equipment. Candidates should have experience in relevant areas and a strong publication record. U.S. Citizenship or lawful permanent residency is required for eligibility.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in physics, astronomy, or related fields.
• Experience with X-ray spectroscopy and atomic data.
• Strong publication record in relevant areas.

Responsibilities

• Analyze data from calorimeter and grating instruments.
• Develop and benchmark atomic data for astrophysical observations.
• Operate high-resolution X-ray calorimeter arrays.
• Archive and publicize atomic data.
• Perform atomic physics calculations.

Skills

X-ray spectroscopy

Atomic data

Laboratory astrophysics

Education

Doctoral degree in physics, astronomy, or related field

Job description

Organization

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

Reference Code

0208-NPP-NOV26-GSFC-Astrophys

Location

Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Maryland

Field of Science

Astrophysics

Advisors

• Maurice Andrew Leutenegger, [e-mail], 301‑286‑6410
• Frederick Scott Porter, [e-mail], 301‑286‑5016

Description

The NASA Postdoctoral Program (NPP) offers research opportunities to highly talented scientists to engage in ongoing NASA research projects. These fellowships last one to three years. The role involves analysis of data from calorimeter and grating instruments for high‑resolution X‑ray spectroscopic observations of astrophysical objects. The position requires providing high‑quality atomic data through theory development and laboratory benchmark experiments. Tasks include supporting laboratory astrophysics collaborations to provide data for the Chandra, XMM‑Newton, and future XRISM, Athena, Arcus, and Lynx missions; operating high‑resolution X‑ray calorimeter arrays with doped silicon thermistors and transition edge sensors; measuring transition energies, oscillator strengths, and electron‑impact excitation cross sections; archiving and publicizing atomic data; and conducting atomic physics calculations.

Responsibilities

• Analyze data from calorimeter and grating instruments for high‑resolution X‑ray spectroscopy.
• Develop and benchmark atomic data for astrophysical observations.
• Operate high‑resolution X‑ray calorimeter arrays at facilities such as LLNL EBIT and SLAC LCLS.
• Archive and publicize atomic data and model its use in astrophysical studies.
• Perform atomic physics calculations relevant to mission science.

Qualifications

• Doctoral degree in physics, astronomy, or related field.
• Experience with X‑ray spectroscopy and atomic data, or related laboratory astrophysics.
• Strong publication record in relevant areas.

Eligibility

• U.S. Citizens
• U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR)
• Foreign nationals eligible for an Exchange Visitor J‑1 visa
• Applicants for LPR, asylees, or refugees in the U.S. who have a valid EAD card and pending I‑485 or I‑589 forms

Applications from citizens of Designated Countries will not be accepted unless they are Legal Permanent Residents of the United States.

Contact

Mikeala